Scratchy throat? Runny, sneezy nose? Some cold and flu sufferers reach for the vitamin C, some for zinc, and others for herbal supplements like echinacea. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that home remedies are effective, and even the prescription treatments aren’t working well this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently sent out an official advisory notice to doctors that the flu strains now spreading across the U.S. are resistant to the flu drug Tamiflu. However, an alternative drug called Relenza still appears effective against the bugs.

Fortunately, the current flu vaccine protects against all of the three common flu virus strains detected this year. But you have to get the shot in advance of being exposed. Vaccination can be a life-saver for those with certain chronic conditions and can save a lot of aches and pains for the rest of us.

For those looking to ease symptoms, alternative remedies seem to falling out of favor. According to a report from the CDC, the percentage of people reaching for alternative cold remedies dropped from 9.5% in 2002 to 2% in 2007. And numerous studies over the past few years have failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of supplements such as echinacea or high-dose vitamin C in preventing or lessening symptoms of head and chest colds.

And the old mainstay, chicken soup, is certainly good for soothing sore throats and keeping us hydrated. Its primary effect on the virus may be to help keep our noses running, which in turn may impede the virus from getting a good foothold.

As far as zinc is concerned, the studies so far are mixed. Some have found that zinc lozenges or nasal sprays decrease the duration of colds. Other studies found no difference compared to placebo. The effectiveness may be related to frequent dosing, such as every 2-4 hours.

Short term use of zinc (up to 5 days) has not appeared to lead to serious side effects. However, some people have reported losing their sense of smell after using zinc nasal spray. And zinc supplements are not recommended for children.